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September 11th Elsewhere

Americans aren’t the only ones that pause to reflect on this terrible September day. While we mourn our own loss of life and a sense of security, and mark the beginning of an interminable war on stateless terrorism, it is worth remembering that others around the world commemorate events as ignominious as ours today.

Two of these take place in the Spanish-speaking world, and exacted tolls far greater than the attacks in 2001.

In broad strokes, each of these days represents a loss of freedom and the victory of an undemocratic aggressor. Whether the day itself has dastardly powers or it’s just an unfortunate coincidence of history, it’s worth reflecting on what broader values Americans can project on a day like today to the world, particularly in places like Chile and Catalonia that have suffered immeasurable losses the way we did.